Tri-Service
Chinese Spy Ship 'Shadows' US Supercarrier In Pacific
A Chinese spy ship has been shadowing USS John C. Stennis in the Western Pacific, the aircraft carrier's commander said.
The 100,000-ton supercarrier was joining warships from Japan and India for drills close to Beijing territory, with helicopter carriers, frigates and sub-hunting patrol planes all involved.
The show of US naval power comes with Japan and the United States worried that China is extending its influence with submarines and surface vessels.
According to Reuters, Captain Gregory C. Huffman, commander of the Stennis, told reporters aboard the carrier:
"There is a Chinese vessel about seven to 10 miles away."
He added that the Chinese vessel had followed the US ship from the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said he was unaware of the situation, however.
China, which has been pushing its territorial claims in the South China Sea, expanding and building on islands, has been angered by what it views as provocative US military patrols.
Naval aircraft on the deck of John C. Stennis
It claims most of the energy-rich South China Sea, through which around £3.5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes annually, with Beijing viewing access to the Pacific as a crucial supply line to the rest of the world's oceans as well as for the projection of its naval power.
The United States, meanwhile, says the patrols are to protect freedom of navigation.
Cover photo a library image showing USS John C. Stennis with USS O'Kane.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
